NY's online health insurance market going live

BUFFALO (AP) -- New York's online market for health insurance is going live along with similar exchanges required across the country under the Affordable Care Act.

The state was among the first to have its exchange approved by the federal government and it hasn't faced the kind of political opposition to "Obamacare" that has made the startup contentious elsewhere, even forcing the federal government to step in.

Starting Tuesday, consumers will get their chance to shop for coverage and rates.

New York expects to enroll 1.1 million uninsured over the next three years, with 650,000 joining plans for individuals, including sole proprietors of businesses, and another 450,000 joining the plans available to small businesses with 50 or fewer employees.

Monthly premiums range from $134 for catastrophic coverage in the greater Rochester area to $913 for a particular "platinum" plan on Long Island.

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Online:

Health Exchange: http://www.HealthBenefitExchange.ny.gov

Approved rates by the Department of Financial Services: http://bit.ly/16bbsOz